Under the Ilocos Norte sky, stories of strength and heritage unfolded on May 24 as the 65th Palarong Pambansa opened at the Marcos Stadium in Laoag City. Song, dance, and synchronized movement turned the venue into a lively showcase of athletic excellence and rich cultural traditions.
For Dillon Arante of the Philippine Public School Teachers Association, a regular Palaro attendee, this year’s opening was “spectacular.” While last year’s Cebu opening impressed him, Laoag’s staging was one for the books. The program blended cultural storytelling and athletic pride in a thoughtfully executed production that connected with both participants and spectators.
The opening kicked off with the Boy Scouts of the Philippines raising a handwoven Philippine flag while students from Divine Word College, Dingras National High School, and Dingras Central Elementary School sang the National Anthem. A prayer for the nation, based on the words of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., was led by young Ilocanos of different faiths.
At the heart of the program was “Palakasan: Tales of Filipino Strength,” a cultural presentation featuring more than 4,300 young performers who brought to life the legend of Lam-ang, the 1807 Basi Revolt from Piddig, and the story of Teófilo Yldefonso, the “Ilocano Shark” and the country’s first Olympic medalist.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc formally declared the Palaro open, highlighting how sports foster unity and reflect the Filipino spirit. Over 12,000 student-athletes from 17 regions marched into the stadium, each delegation carrying its banner and moving in choreographed unison.
Record-hitting baseball player Gerick Jhon Flores led the Oath of Athletes, while Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz recited the Oath of Integrity for coaches and officials. Ilocano champion athletes and teams lit the Palaro Lightbeam, a solar-powered cauldron, symbolizing the start of the games.
Angeline Quinto performed “Ako Ay Pilipino,” followed by Chase Pagtaconan with “United Archipelago,” the theme song celebrating the country’s diversity and unity. Quinto later joined the Batac Junior College Pep Squad for an energetic rendition of “Piliin Mo ang Pilipinas.”
The finale combined music, movement, and light as Pinoy-pop boy band Alamat performed while a drone show by DITO Telecommunity lit up the night sky with dazzling patterns drawn from the Palaro brand and select sports.
Behind the scenes, Aian Raquel served as artistic-creative director with Christian Espiritu as event director. Production was led by A-Xavier Ruiz and Namnama Bumanglag, with Charlie Duque as technical director and Gabb Gantala overseeing multimedia. Choreographers included Francis Gomez, Glendelwin Salmasan, Jordan Mendoza, Lew Jerez, Joenathan Pacol, Janno Baraoidan, Mark Agorilla, Rhenz Joaquin, and Rowell Tagatac.
Organized by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte in cooperation with the Department of Education and local government units, and co-presented by International Container Terminal Services, Inc., the Palaro showcased Filipino pride and celebrated national identity, heritage, and sportsmanship as competitions commenced.
